Statement by New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC) Executive Director Stephen Acquario Regarding New York City’s Expansion of its Rental Assistance Program to All Counties in the State

The plan announced today by New York City to expand its rental assistance voucher program to be used in any county in New York State is a direct extension of the federal government’s failure to address the migrant crisis.

While counties recognize the dire situation the City is facing, we are gravely concerned that the plan announced today will only exacerbate the affordable housing crisis that counties across the state are experiencing. We are also concerned that this action will add additional strain on county services like mental health, public health, and education, that are already stretched to the breaking point in many counties.

The solution to this crisis rests squarely at the feet of the federal government where it began. We need leadership from the state and federal government to help local leaders address the affordable housing and asylum seeker crises that prompted this action by the City of New York.

In the meantime, we call on New York City to reverse this initiative. Shifting a problem from one part of the state to another does not solve anything. It simply creates more problems.

###

Media Contact: Mark LaVigne | MLavigne@nysac.org | 518-465-1473 x206